Screencap from ‘Home Along Da Riles: Da Movie’
Cover Film still from ‘Home Along Da Riles: Da Movie’
Screencap from ‘Home Along Da Riles: Da Movie’

From free film screenings to talkback sessions, FDCP is going all out this September in honour of the film industry

Comedy remains the heart of Philippine cinema; it maintains a strong presence annually during film festivals. According to a study by Dr Maria Rhodora Ancheta, a professor at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, humour is a Filipino national weapon—“one that is utilised not only to reflect social foibles and cultural beliefs, but also one that is used to train an apparently disparaging look at themselves as victims of embarrassing and painful historical, political, or cultural circumstances.” In short, it is superficial and deep at the same time, good-natured and serious, fun and progressive. 

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The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) recognises this. As such, it spotlights the said genre at the Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) this year.

A month-long showcase of the heritage and legacy of Philippine cinema awaits audiences and participants: from a wide array of film-related events and industry gatherings to free movie screenings and talkback sessions throughout September.

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Above Official Poster

With the theme “Tuloy pa rin ang Tawanan” (happiness continues), the event pays tribute to acclaimed Filipino comedians who took part in shaping and nurturing our popular culture.

“As history and international surveys have shown time and time again, the strength of the Filipino people has deep roots in humour, positivity, and comedy. And for that, in this year’s PFIM, we'd like to highlight the great comedic icons of our nation,” says FDCP CEO and chairman Tirso Cruz III.

List of activities

September 1 - Philippine Film Industry Month Opening Ceremony

To kick off the month-long celebration, a special screening of the restored and remastered comedy classic Home Along Da Riles Da Movie. Hosted by standup comedian James Caraan, it will be held at the Red Carpet Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 1. 

September 5 - Sine Halakhak Open Air Screening

The FDCP will host an outdoor screening of the films Ang Tanging Ina directed by Wenn Deramas and Here Comes the Bride directed by Chris Martinez at the Rizal Open Air Auditorium.

Above ‘Home Along Da Riles Movie’ Restored Primer

September 6 to 28 - Cinematheque Screenings and Film Talks

FDCP Cinematheque Centres nationwide will host the screenings of the films under the Sine Halakhak banner, along with this year’s lineup of Sine Kabataan short films. The following titles will be screened in FDCP Cinematheque Centres:

  1. Daddy O, Baby O!
  2. Ang Tanging Ina
  3. Kimmy Dora
  4. Here Comes the Bride
  5. Isprikitik Walastik
  6. Mr Suave
  7. D’Lucky Ones
  8. Ang Mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro
  9. Ang Pangarap kong Holdap
  10. Babae sa Septic Tank 1
  11. Die Beautiful
  12. Petrang Kabayo
  13. Ang Tatay kong Nanay
Above ‘Die Beautiful’ Trailer

September 9, 10 and 16 - Academedia Screenings and Talks

Academedia, which aims to provide a platform for student filmmakers to showcase and exhibit their films, will feature a curated selection of documentary films from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the University of the Philippines-Mindanao, and West Visayas State University.

September 11 to 17 - PFIM x PCIM Present: Sine Singkwenta

Sine Singkwenta is an initiative made possible through the FDCP’s partnership with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) that aims to encourage the return of Filipinos to the cinemas and theatres by showcasing a curated lineup of local and international films.

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Above ‘Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 3’ Trailer

September 16 - Philippine Film Industry Month Gala Night

The highlight of the month is the PFIM Gala Night, which is set to happen at the Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills in San Juan City. Featuring performances from Sheryn Regis, Michael Pangilinan, Frenchie Dy, and Bituin Escalante, the night will highlight some of the most memorable comedy films that have been etched in the psyche of the Filipino community.

September 22 to 24 - Sine Kabataan Screenings and Talkbacks

After a year of hard work in producing their short films, the finalists of the 6th edition of FDCP’s Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival will have the Philippine premiere of their short film entries at the Red Carpet Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 1.

September 24 - Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino presents John and Marsha

Through the inter-agency partnership of FDCP with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Metropolitan Theater, and ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula, the program, Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino, holds the screening of John & Marsha ‘85 Sa Probinsya.

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Above ‘Ang Tanging Ina’ Supercut

September 27 - PFIM x PCIM: Brocka, Bernal and Diaz-Abaya: A Talk on Filipino Masters of Cinema

Through its Film School program, the FDCP is set to discuss the works and contributions of National Artists for Film, such as Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya, to the film industry and how these contributions transcend into the present generation.

September 27 - Sugat sa Ugat Premiere Screening

National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal’s Sugat sa Ugat, starring Christopher De Leon and Hilda Koronel, tells the story of how greed, passion, and desire become the root of discontent in the changing world.

September 29 - PFIM x PCIM: DGPI and FDCP Film Pitch

In partnership with the FDCP, the DGPI is set to conduct a Film Pitch event for Filipino producers, filmmakers, post-production companies, distributors, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. Using a speed dating format, this event aims to help the participants match their projects with possible collaborators, financers, and partners.

September 29 - Philippine Film Industry Month Closing Ceremony

Capping off the month-long festivities, the FDCP will officially close the 3rd PFIM through a Closing Ceremony on September 29 by honouring some of the icons of Philippine Comedy.

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Angela Nicole Guiral
Digital Editor, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.